Niner Noise
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49ers vs. Chiefs: Preseason Week 1 Preview

By Logan Stanley

GREENBAY, WI - OCTOBER 20: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the Chicago Bears passes the ball against the Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREENBAY, WI - OCTOBER 20: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the Chicago Bears passes the ball against the Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Linebacker Malcolm Smith #53 of the Oakland Raiders tries to block the view of quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter on December 24, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 33-25. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Linebacker Malcolm Smith #53 of the Oakland Raiders tries to block the view of quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter on December 24, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 33-25. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Significant injuries

Even though training camp has just begun, the number of players hurt are starting to pile up for the 49ers. Here’s the breakdown of notable injuries:

  • Linebacker Malcolm Smith (placed on IR) – Smith tore his pectoral muscle during last week’s practice, has been ruled out for the season.
  • Cornerback Dontae Johnson (out for game) – Johnson suffered a concussion this week, and is being held out for today’s game.
  • Safety Jimmie Ward (out indefinitely) – Ward hurt his hamstring during the conditioning test, and will be out for today’s game. Shanahan said he hopes to have Ward back by next week.
  • Offensive lineman Joshua Garnett (out indefinitely) – Garnett injured his knee last week, and was supposed to have arthroscopic knee surgery on Thursday. The team is hoping for a Week 1 return.
  • Tight end George Kittle (doubtful) – Kittle sustained hamstring strain last week, and while he did come back to practice this week, Shanahan doesn’t believe Kittle will play in today’s game.
  • Safety Jaquiski Tartt (questionable) – Tartt went down with a rib injury last week after filling in for the hurt Ward, but returned to limited action a few days ago. His status has been listed as day-to-day.
  • Linebacker Donavin Newsom (out indefinitely) – Newsom suffered the most frightening injury of the 49ers offseason when the rookie linebacker was rendered unconscious due to a concussion after a collision with teammate Chanceller James. Fortunately, Newsom was released from Stanford Medical Center on Thursday and is expected to rejoin the team soon.